Systems and methods for improved dental hygiene

ABSTRACT

A dental hygiene system can include a dental cleaning tip, the tip can include rounded protrusions configured to optimize teeth cleaning and stimulating gums; a supporting member, wherein the supporting member can include a tip coupling mechanism, wherein the tip coupling mechanism can connect the dental cleaning tip to the supporting member; and an angled handle, wherein the angled handle can be coupled to the supporting member and extend away from the supporting member, wherein the tip coupling mechanism can permit removal of the dental cleaning tip; wherein the dental cleaning tip can include a first flat surface and a second flat surface oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to maximize dental hygiene; and wherein the bases of the rounded protrusions can increase from an apex of the dental cleaning tip to a base of the dental cleaning tip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/695,513, filed on 9 Jul. 2018, which is incorporated herein inits entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to a dental hygiene system and morespecifically to a flexible interdental brush and gum stimulator forimproved dental hygiene and improved ease of use.

BACKGROUND

An interdental or interproximal (“proxy”) brush can, in examples, be asmall brush, typically disposable, either supplied with a reusableangled plastic handle or an integral handle, used for cleaning betweenteeth or between the wires of dental braces and the teeth. The use ofinterdental brushes in conjunction with tooth brushing, has been shownto reduce both the amount of plaque and the incidence of gingivitis whencompared to toothbrushing alone.

A standalone tool called a gum stimulator can be designed to massage thegum line and the bases of the areas between the teeth. Gum stimulatorshelp to increase circulation to the gum line and to clear away bacteriawhich might not be removed by brushing and flossing alone. An oralirrigator can, in examples, be a home dental care device which uses astream of high-pressure pulsating water intended to remove plaque andfood debris between teeth and below the gum line. Regular use of an oralirrigator is believed to improve gingival health and may also provideeasier cleaning for braces and dental implants.

Many users find that interdental brushes, gum stimulators and oralirrigators (“at home interdental systems”) are difficult to operate andinefficient, leading to ineffective use, non-use and/or user injury.Often, users of at home interdental systems find that it can bedifficult to clean gaps in between teeth and stimulate gums situatedfurther back in the mouth. During use, at home interdental systems oftencause injury to gums and teeth by use of stiff or strong materials. Athome interdental systems may also be very time consuming to use,addressing only single areas of concern at a time, leading tofrustration and non-use by users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front unassembled elevational view of a dental hygienesystem in according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front assembled elevational view of the dental hygienesystem of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of a dental cleaning tip accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the dental cleaning tip of FIG. 3A accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a supporting member according toan embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the assembled tip of FIG. 3A andthe supporting member of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a handle according to anembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the dental hygiene system of FIG. 1 accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of the dental hygiene system ofFIG. 1 in use according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the embodiments (e.g., including variationsof embodiments, examples of embodiments, specific examples ofembodiments, other suitable variants, etc.) is not intended to belimited to these embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use.

1. Overview

There is a need for a dental hygiene system which provides interdentalbrush as well as gum stimulator functions accurately, efficiently,safely, and ergonomically.

In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having theability to perform interdental brush, gum stimulator, oral irrigator,and toothbrushing capabilities is provided.

In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system havingrounded protrusions on a dental cleaning tip allowing the user to gentlystimulate gums and clean teeth is provided.

In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having aremovable tip which may be replaced by a user with a second tip, orvarious other attachments is provided.

In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having adental cleaning tip with at least one flat surface free fromprotrusions, and oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dentalcleaning tip, to massage gums is provided.

In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system havinggenerally conical rounded protrusions on a dental cleaning tip which areconfigured for gentle insertion of the dental cleaning tip in betweenteeth, as the base of the generally conical rounded protrusions issmallest at the apex of the dental cleaning tip and increases as nearingthe base of the dental cleaning tip, is provided. In specific examples,the volume of first protrusions (e.g., first generally conical roundedprotrusions; any suitable protrusion shape; etc.) proximal the base ofthe dental cleaning tip is larger than the volume of second protrusions(e.g., second generally conical rounded protrusions; any suitableprotrusion shape; etc.) proximal the apex of the dental cleaning tip.

In some embodiments, a dental hygiene system can include a dentalcleaning tip with a collapsible apex region allowing for bending of thedental cleaning tip in use, where the material and/or shape (e.g., inembodiments) allow the dental cleaning tip (e.g., the collapsible apexregion of the dental cleaning tip, etc.) to fit a multitude of areas ofvarying sizes and/or shapes (e.g., across one or more users with mouthregions of varying sizes and/or shapes, etc.), and where the dentalcleaning tip (e.g., with the collapsible apex region; associatedmaterials and/or shapes; etc.) can result in gentle cleaning.

In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having amulti-part angled handle allowing for the ability to clean hard to reachareas of a user's mouth is provided.

In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system havingmultiple rounded protrusions on a dental cleaning tip which may sprayfluid to gently clean teeth and stimulate gums is provided.

In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having theability to allow a user to accurately, efficiently, safety andergonomically clean teeth and stimulate gums is provided.

Embodiments (e.g., of a dental hygiene system, etc.) for improved dentalhygiene can include: a tip (e.g., a dental cleaning tip; a conical tip;etc.) including a set of protrusions (e.g., spicules, conicalformations, etc.) extending from a surface (e.g., an exterior surface;etc.) of the tip, where the set of protrusions can be adapted (e.g., inrelation to geometric characteristics; materials characteristics;construction characteristics; etc.) to facilitate dental cleaning (e.g.,interdental cleaning, etc.); a supporting member (e.g., a supportinghead attachable at an end of a handle component, etc.) including anextending core (e.g., where the extending core acts as a core of the tipwhen the tip is attached to the supporting member, etc.), a tip-couplingmechanism (e.g., an annular ring protrusion extending radially from asurface of the extending core; etc.) adapted for coupling with one ormore tips, and a handle-coupling region adapted for coupling to a handlecomponent; and a handle component coupleable to the supporting memberand adapted for manipulation by a user (e.g., physical hand actions by auser gripping the handle component with a corresponding hand, etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, embodiments can include a fluid-provisiontip including a set of fluid channels (e.g., including perforations forfluid to travel through, etc.) for facilitating fluid delivery to one ormore dental regions; and/or any other suitable components. In examples,the system can facilitate fluid delivery to a plurality of dentalregions simultaneously and in a gentler, less harsh manner thanconventional approaches. In specific examples, the set of fluid channels(e.g., the one or more protrusions allowing fluid to exit thefluid-provision tip, etc.) can function to facilitate fluid deliverysimultaneously to a plurality of dental regions (e.g., mouth regions),which can enable convenience and time savings for one or more users. Inspecific examples, the one or more fluid channels (e.g., of one or morefluid-provision tips, etc.) may exit (e.g., include one or more endregions, etc.) at or through one or more protrusions (e.g., at one ormore end regions of the one or more protrusions; at any suitable regionof the one or more protrusions; etc.), and/or through one or more flatsurfaces of a dental cleaning tip. However, the fluid channels canbegin, continue through, and/or exit at any suitable regions of one ormore tips (e.g., one or more fluid-provision tips, etc.).

Embodiments can function to provide physically adapted componentstailored—such as in relation to materials, geometry, construction,coupling, and/or other suitable aspects—for cleaning, stimulation,dislodging (e.g., of foreign particles such as food, debris, and/orother particles; such as for preventing the gathering and accumulatingof foreign particles in gaps that form in between teeth and/or otherdental regions, etc.), and/or massaging of dental regions, mouthregions, teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and/or other suitablephysiological regions, such as without causing user discomfort or harm.For example, embodiments of the system can facilitate interdentalcleaning (e.g., with the set of protrusions of the tip; including theremoval of bacteria residing between teeth, general cleaning of theteeth; with the application of toothpaste onto the set of protrusions ofthe tip and/or onto other suitable components of the system; etc.) aswell as gum stimulation (e.g., with the apex region of the tip; with theprotrusions; etc.). Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of thesystem can be adapted to be durable over multiple instances of use(e.g., over multiple dental periods of cleaning) without loss offunctionality. In an example, different components of the system can becharacterized by varying degrees of reusability. In a specific example,a supporting member and a handle component can have a greater degree ofreusability than a tip, which can be replaced with an increasedfrequency for optimizing dental hygiene. However, embodiments of thesystem can include any suitable functionality.

The components of the system can be physically and/or logicallyintegrated in any manner (e.g., with any suitable distributions offunctionality across the components, etc.), where embodiments of thesystem can include any suitable combination of components describedherein, associated (e.g., mechanically coupleable; functionally related;etc.) in any suitable manner. In variations, any suitable components ofthe system can be coupled to (e.g., attached to), decoupleable from(e.g., detachable from, etc.), and/or integrated with (e.g.,mechanically integrated with, so as to hinder detachability, etc.) anyother suitable components of the system. In an example, a tip, asupporting member, and a handle component can be manufactured as,provided to one or more users, and/or otherwise constructed and/orprovided in a decoupled mode (e.g., as separate parts, etc.), a coupledmode (e.g., with the tip coupled to the supporting member, etc.), and/orin any suitable configuration. In an example, different variations oftips can be used with or without a supporting member and/or handlecomponent (e.g., where a fluid-provision tip couples to afluid-provision device as opposed to a supporting member, etc.). In anexample, a tip can couple directly to a handle without the use of anintervening supporting member (e.g., for tips adapted to be used withoutmechanical support by an extending core of a supporting member, etc.).Additionally or alternatively, components of the system can beintegrated with any suitable existing components (e.g., existingfluid-provision devices, existing dental cleaning systems, etc.).

Components of the system can be positioned at (e.g., mounted at,integrated with, located proximal, etc.) any suitable location (e.g., ofother suitable components). Individual components and/or combination ofcomponents of the system can be characterized by any lengths, widths,heights, depths, radiuses, circumferences, and/or any suitabledimensions, which can correspond to any suitable areas, volumes, and/orother suitable multi-dimensional characteristics.

Components of the system can be manufactured using any one or more of:molding (e.g., injection molding, overmolding, etc.), microlithography,doping, thin films, etching, bonding, polishing, patterning, deposition,microforming, treatments, drilling, plating, routing, computer numericalcontrol (CNC) machining & casting, stereolithography (SLA), DigitalLight Synthesis (DLS), PolyJet additive manufacturing technologies,Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), suitable prototyping approaches, and/orany other suitable manufacturing techniques. Components of the systemcan be constructed with any suitable materials, including elastomers,plastics (e.g., thermoplastics such as polypropylene, etc.), compositematerials (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers, etc.), antimicrobialmaterials (e.g., antimicrobial materials approved for use by relevantgovernment agencies, etc.), therapeutic materials (e.g., therapeuticmaterials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.),metals (e.g., steel, alloys, copper, etc.), recyclable materials,reusable materials, biodegradable materials, compostable materials,glass, ceramic, and/or any other suitable materials. In specificexamples, the dental cleaning tip can be constructed with at least oneof a thermoplastic elastomer material, a thermoplastic material, anelastomer material, a silicone material, and a tear-resistant materialfor facilitating the collapsible apex region and/or other suitablefunctionality. However, the system can be configured in any suitablemanner.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in a specific example, shown is a frontunassembled elevational view of a dental hygiene system 10, including adental cleaning tip 12, a supporting member 14, and an angled handle 16.The dental cleaning tip 12 is attached to the supporting member 14. In aspecific example, the supporting member 14 connects the dental cleaningtip 12 to the angled handle 16. In operation, in a specific example, auser removably places the dental cleaning tip 12 on to the supportingmember 14. The supporting member 14 may be removably connected to theangled handle 16.

Referring to FIG. 2, in a specific example, shown is a front assembledelevational view of the dental hygiene system 10 of FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, in a specific example, shown is a frontelevational view of the dental cleaning tip 12 of FIG. 1, including afirst subset of protrusions 18, a second subset of protrusions 20, adental cleaning tip apex region 22, a dental cleaning tip base region24, and inter-subset regions of the protrusions 26.

In specific examples, the first subset of protrusions 18 and the secondsubset of protrusions 20 are staggered along the conical axis of thedental cleaning tip 12. The first subset of protrusions 18 and secondsubset of protrusions 20 may be rounded and may be generally conical inconfiguration. The first subset of protrusions 18 can be radiallyaligned with one another. The second subset of protrusions 20 can beradially aligned with one another.

In specific examples, in operation, the staggered placement of the firstsubset of protrusions 18 and second subset of protrusions 20 allows fortoothpaste to be held in the inter-subset regions of the protrusions 26during dental cleaning. Additionally or alternatively, in specificexamples, the staggered placement of the first subset of protrusions 18and second subset of protrusions 20 allows for increased surfacecoverage of a dental region by the dental cleaning tip 12 during use.The dental cleaning tip apex region 22 can be collapsible and can allowfor bending of the dental cleaning tip 12 in use. For example, thedental cleaning tip may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The tipmay also be constructed with any suitable soft, or tear-resistantmaterial. Additionally or alternatively, the dental cleaning tip 12and/or any suitable components of the dental cleaning tip 12 (e.g.,rounded protrusions, etc.) may include a fluid channel for gentlyapplying fluid to dental regions. In some embodiments, the first subsetof rounded protrusions 18 and the second subset of rounded protrusions20 may be another rounded form (e.g., spicules, conical formations,etc.). In some embodiments, the base of the first subset of protrusions18 and second subset of protrusions 20 is smallest at the apex of thedental cleaning tip 22 and increases as nearing the base of the dentalcleaning tip 24 to allow for gentle insertion of the dental cleaning tip12 into a user's mouth.

Referring to FIG. 3B, in a specific example, shown is the side view ofthe dental cleaning tip 12 of FIG. 3B, including a first flat surface 28and a second flat surface 30. In a specific example, the first flatsurface 28 and the second flat surface 30 are oriented parallel along aconical axis of the dental cleaning tip. In operation, the first flatsurface 28 and second flat surface 30 may be placed directly upon auser's gums for gum stimulation. The first flat surface 28 and secondflat surface 30 can allow the first subset of protrusions 18 and secondsubset of protrusions 20 to improve dental cleaning and to cleanperiodontal pockets. In examples, the first flat surface 28 and thesecond flat surface 30 provide easier manufacturability.

Referring to FIG. 4, in a specific example, shown is a front elevationalview of the supporting member 14, including an extending core 32, tipcoupling mechanism 34, handle coupling region 36, body region 38 andhandle coupling mechanism 40. In a specific example, the body region 38connects the extending core 32 to the handle coupling region 36. The tipcoupling mechanism 34 is attached to the extending core 32. In someembodiments, the tip coupling mechanism 34 may be an annular ringprotrusion. The tip coupling mechanism 34 is adapted for coupling withone or more dental cleaning tips 12. The handle coupling region 36includes a handle coupling mechanism 40. In some embodiments, the handlecoupling region 36 may include a button. The handle coupling mechanism40 may include a locking mechanism including one or more prongs tohinder detachability of the supporting member coupling region 42. In aspecific example, the handle coupling mechanism 40 includes a lockingmechanism including a single prong. In operation, in a specific example,the tip coupling mechanism 34 allows for the removal and replacement ofthe dental cleaning tip 12 by the user. The handle coupling mechanism 40can allow for the release or locking of the handle 16.

Referring to FIG. 5, in a specific example, shown is a front elevationalview of the assembled dental cleaning tip 12 and supporting member 14 ofFIG. 1. In a specific example, the dental cleaning tip 12 is hollow andattaches onto the extending core 32 of the supporting member 14 by thetip coupling mechanism 34. In some embodiments, the dental cleaning tip12 may include a fluid channel and perforations within the first subsetof protrusions 18 and second subset of protrusions 20 to allow for oralirrigator properties of the dental hygiene system 10.

Referring to FIG. 6, shown is a front elevational view of the handle 16,including a supporting member coupling region 42, a user grip region 44,and an intermediary region 46. In a specific example, the intermediaryregion 46 connects the supporting member coupling region 42 to the usergrip region 44. The intermediary region 46 may include a curved bend.The user grip region 44 may include a channel or curve. The intermediaryregion 46 may include an increasing diameter as the distance increasesfrom the supporting member coupling region 42 to the user grip region44.

In operation, a curved bend of the intermediary region 46 may facilitateaccessibility of the dental cleaning tip 12 to various areas of a user'smouth. The user grip region 44 may include a channel to improveergonomics. In some embodiments, the handle 16 may include a multi-partangle to better reach areas in the back of a user's mouth. In someembodiments, the angled handle 16 may be formed in one piece.

Referring to FIG. 7, in a specific example, shown is a side view of thedental hygiene system 10 of FIG. 1, including the handle couplingmechanism 40. The handle coupling mechanism 40 may include a button. Insome embodiments, the handle coupling mechanism 40 may be used inconjunction with oral irrigator functions. In some embodiments, a buttonmay be used to power on and off a motor. In some embodiments, componentsof the dental hygiene system 10 may be physically and/or logicallyintegrated in any manner, such as different variations of tips can beused with or without a supporting member and/or handle component, or afluid provision tip may be coupled to a fluid provision device asopposed to a supporting device. Additionally, or alternatively,components of the dental hygiene system 10 may be integrated with anysuitable existing components (e.g., existing fluid-provision devices,existing dental cleaning systems, etc.). Components of the dentalhygiene system 10 can be positioned at (e.g., mounted at, integratedwith, located proximal, etc.) any suitable location (e.g., of othersuitable components). Individual components and/or combinations ofcomponents of the dental hygiene system 10 can be characterized by anylengths, widths, heights, depths, radiuses, circumferences, and/or anysuitable dimensions, which can correspond to any suitable areas,volumes, and/or other suitable multi-dimensional characteristics.

Referring to FIG. 8, in a specific example, shown is an assembledperspective view of the dental hygiene system 10 in use 48.

In operation, the dental cleaning tip 12 may be inserted in between auser's teeth for interdental cleaning and gum stimulation. The apex 22of the dental cleaning tip 12 may be collapsible to provide gentledental cleaning and stimulation of the gums.

2.1 Tip.

The system can include one or more tips including one or moreprotrusions. The one or more tips can function to facilitate dentalcleaning (e.g., with the set of protrusions; interdental cleaning;etc.), gum stimulation (e.g., with an apex region of the tip, etc.),dental massaging, dislodging of foreign particles, and/or other suitableactions for improving dental health. Additionally or alternatively, theone or more tips can function to be removably coupleable to one or moresystem components (e.g., a supporting member), which can facilitate thereplacement of, substitution of, and/or other use of different types oftips and/or additional tips of the same type (e.g., while reusing one ormore system components, etc.). Alternatively, the one or more tips canbe physically integrated with one or more system components, therebyhindering decoupling of the one or more tips from the one or more systemcomponents. However, the one or more tips can have any suitablefunctionality.

A tip is preferably physically coupleable (e.g., physically attachableto, physically mountable on, fittable around, etc.) to a supportingmember (e.g., an extending core of the supporting member), such asfacilitated by a tip-coupling mechanism of the supporting member, and/orby a supporting member-coupling mechanism of the tip. Additionally oralternatively, one or more tips can be physically coupleable and/orintegrated with any suitable components of the system (e.g., a handlecomponent; a fluid provision device; etc.). However, the tip can becoupleable and/or otherwise related to any other suitable components.

The tip is preferably conically shaped, such as including an apex regionincluding a first end of the tip; a base region including a second endof the tip; and/or a body region connecting the apex region and the baseregion. A conically-shaped tip can facilitate both dental cleaning(e.g., with a shape that improves area and volumetric coverage by theset of protrusions of the tip; etc.) as well as gum stimulation (e.g.,with an apex region providing a sharpness adapted to gum stimulation;etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the tip can include any suitabletype and number of shapes, including any one or more of: cylinders,cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles, squares,rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons, quadrangles, shapeswith concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions, and/or any othersuitable multi-dimensional shapes (e.g., with any suitable number ofedges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.) with any suitable areasand/or volumes.

The tip can include any suitable dimensions, such as in relation tolength, width, height, and/or diameter (e.g., for any suitable regionsof the tip, etc.). In an example, the tip can include a length (e.g.,from a first end to a second end; from a base region to an apex region;along a conical axis extending from a center of the base region throughthe center of the apex region; etc.) of any suitable dimensions. In aspecific example, the tip can include a length greater than 10 mm andless than 20 mm, but can include any suitable dimensions. In an example,the tip can include a diameter (e.g., at the base region) between 2-6mm, such as where the diameter can decrease as the distance increasesbetween the center of the tip base and a position along the conical axis(e.g., as the distance decreases between the position and the apex ofthe tip, etc.); alternatively the dimeter can remain the same along thedistance. In examples, the dimensions of a tip can be adapted tofacilitate accessibility of the tip to deeper dental regions, and/or forenabling the tip to reach and/or otherwise physically interact with anysuitable dental regions. In examples, the dimensions of the tip can bedetermined based on populations, subgroups, and/or other suitable setsof users (e.g., through experimentation with a set of users; based onaverage sizes of dental regions across the set of users; etc.).

In variations, different tips can include different sets of dimensions,such as for accommodating different sizes of user dental regions,different dental hygiene applications, and/or or for any other suitablepurposes. In a specific example, the system can include a first tipincluding a first diameter, and a second tip including a seconddiameter, such as where the dimensions of the first and the second tipscan be different or the same from each other (e.g., a same or differentdiameter dimension, a same or different length, etc.). In a specificexample, one or more tips can be dimension-adjustable, where a userand/or other suitable entity (e.g., the tip itself; automatically; thesupporting member; etc.) can adjust one or more dimensions of the one ormore tips (e.g., through collapsible materials of the tips; throughcoupling and/or decoupling of different components of a tip to formdifferent configurations of the tip, where different configurations caninclude different dimensions; etc.). In a specific example, differenttips can be differentiated based on one or more indicators (e.g., colorindicators, other graphical indicators, verbal indicators, numericalindicators, geometric indicators, etc.), such as where a first tip(e.g., a tip classified as a small tip, such as due to a smaller basediameter relative a large tip, etc.) can be identified by a first color,and where a second tip (e.g., a tip classified as a large tip, such asdue to a larger base diameter relative a small tip, etc.) can beidentified by a second color. However, different tips and/or adjustabletips can be configured in any suitable manner (e.g., with any suitablesimilarities and/or differences with other tips, etc.).

The tip preferably includes dimensions adapted for coupling to (e.g.,mounting to, wrapping around, etc.) an extending core of a supportingmember (and/or to other suitable components, such as other components ofthe supporting member, etc.). In a variation, the tip can include aninner cavity (e.g., hole, hollowness, etc.) adapted to couple to (e.g.,fit around, etc.) an extending core of the supporting member. An innercavity of the tip is preferably conically shaped (e.g., where the innercavity and the tip share a similar shape, with the inner cavityincluding dimensions smaller than the tip, etc.), such as to be adaptedto coupling to a conically shaped extending core of the supportingmember. Additionally or alternatively, the inner cavity can include anysuitable type and number of shapes, including any one or more of:cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles,squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons,quadrangles, shapes with concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions,and/or any other suitable multi-dimensional shapes (e.g., with anysuitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.) withany suitable areas and/or volumes.

The inner cavity (and/or the tip) is preferably dimensioned to form aremaining cavity (e.g., remaining gap, etc.) when the tip is coupled toan extending core of the supporting member (e.g., the inner cavityremains partially unfilled, etc.), such as where the remaining cavitycan reside between an end of the inner cavity (e.g., proximal the apexregion) and an end of the extending core (e.g., at the apex region ofthe extending core; at the end distal the handle-coupling region; etc.).In an example, the remaining cavity can include a length of 0.4-2 mm(e.g., a distance between the inner cavity end proximal the tip apexregion, and the extending core end proximal the extending core apexregion, etc.). Remaining cavities can include any suitable shapedescribed herein. Additionally or alternatively, the inner cavity and/ortip can include any suitable dimensions, such as for resulting in anysuitable dimensions of one or more remaining cavities upon couplingbetween the tip and the supporting member (e.g., extending core of thesupporting member). In a specific example, the extending core caninclude dimensions (e.g., can be fitted, etc.) for occupying the entireinner cavity (e.g., of the tip), and/or any suitable portion of theinner cavity and/or tip.

The inner cavity preferably forms a single remaining cavity (e.g.,proximal the tip apex region) when the tip is coupled to the supportingmember, but any suitable number of remaining cavities can be formed. Inan example, a body region and base region of a conically shaped tip iscoupled in a physically contiguous manner with an extending core of thesupporting member when the tip is coupled to the supporting manner, suchas where the single remaining cavity resides proximal the apex region ofthe tip (e.g., and distal the body region and base region, etc.). Suchphysical coupling between the extending core surface and the interiorsurfaces of a tip body region and/or tip base region can enablereinforcing support for the tip when manipulated by a user (e.g., wherethe tip is reinforced to hinder collapsibility when pressure is appliedby a user with the tip against a dental region, etc.). Additionally oralternatively, a remaining cavity proximal a tip apex region canfacilitate gum stimulation without causing discomfort and/or harm to auser (e.g., by facilitating collapsibility of the tip end when the userapplies pressure with the apex region of the tip against a dentalregion, etc.). However, remaining cavities and/or other suitableformations associated with coupling of the tip and supporting member canbe configured in any suitable manner.

The tip (and/or other suitable components) is preferably constructedwith a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic vulcanizates,styrenic block copolymers, thermoplastic polyolefinelastomers,thermoplastic polyerethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplasticpolyamides, etc.), but can be constructed with any suitable materials(e.g., softer materials, tear-resistance materials). In an example, thetip can be constructed with materials including one or more ofantimicrobial agents, recyclable materials, reusable materials,biodegradable materials, compostable materials, (e.g., materials and/oragents complying with government regulations), and/or any other suitablematerials.

However, one or more tips can be configured in any suitable manner.

2.1.A Protrusions.

The tip can include one or more protrusions, which can function asphysical formations facilitating dental cleaning, gum stimulation,dislodging of foreign particles, and/or other suitable purposes, such aswhen a user applies pressure, rotational motion, and/or other suitableactions with the protrusions in relation to one or more dental regions(e.g., interdental regions, etc.).

The protrusions can be physically integrated with the non-protrusionregions of the tip (e.g., where the protrusion regions andnon-protrusion regions of the tip form a single physical component,etc.), but can additionally or alternatively be separate components fromthe non-protrusion regions of the tip (e.g., where a subset or all ofthe protrusions are removably coupleable to the surface of the tip, suchas through adhesive mechanisms and/or other suitable couplingmechanisms; etc.).

The protrusions preferably include conically shaped protrusions (e.g.,spicules), but the protrusions can additionally or alternatively includeany suitable type and number of shapes, including any one or more of:cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles,squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons,quadrangles, shapes with concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions,and/or any other suitable multi-dimensional shapes (e.g., with anysuitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.) withany suitable areas and/or volumes.

The set of protrusions preferably extend from a surface of the tip(e.g., where the base of a protrusion physically interfaces with asurface of the tip; where a base of the protrusion is flush with thesurface of the tip; where an axis co-extensive with the length of theprotrusion is normal to the tip surface from which the protrusionextends; etc.). In an example, for each protrusion of a set ofprotrusions, the protrusion conical axis is normal to the tip surfacefrom which the protrusion extends. However, any suitable axes and/ordimensions associated with the protrusions can be angled relativecomponents and/or regions of the tip in any suitable manner.

Protrusions of the set of protrusions are preferably located at the bodyregion of a tip (e.g., with distance separating the ends of the tip andthe regions of the tip at which the set of protrusions are located,etc.), such as where protrusions are not located at the apex regionand/or base region of the tip. Protrusions are preferably located at aplurality of locations around a circumference of the tip (e.g., locatedat a plurality of locations radially around the body region of the tip,etc.), such as around the circumference of the tip at multiple pointsalong the length of the tip (e.g., the length of the body region, etc.).In examples, the locations of the protrusions can be based on a partingline running through a central axis of the tip, where the locations ofthe protrusions can be adapted to not interfere with the parting line(e.g., for facilitating improved manufacturability, etc.). In anexample, the set of protrusions includes a plurality of subsets ofprotrusions (e.g., six subsets of protrusions, etc.), where each subsetof protrusions includes protrusions radially aligned (e.g., at the sameand/or similar radial position along the circumference of the tip at agiven point along the length of the tip, etc.) and located at differentpositions along the length of the tip (e.g., where each conical axisand/or other central axis of each protrusion of a given subset ofprotrusions is parallel each other, etc.). In a specific example,protrusions of a subset of protrusions can include varying dimensions,such as varying base diameters (e.g., with increasing base diameter asthe distance decreases between protrusion location and tip base region,etc.), varying volumes (e.g., for different subsets of protrusions; fordifferent subsets of protrusions at different radial positions about aconical axis of the tip, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, anysubset and/or other grouping of protrusions can include protrusions ofsimilar dimensions, varying dimensions, and/or any other suitablegeometric characteristics, and/or any grouping of protrusions caninclude any number and/or type of protrusions.

The set of protrusions preferably includes a plurality of staggeredsubsets of protrusions, such as staggered along a length of the tip(and/or conical axis and/or other central axis of the tip). Protrusionstaggering can improve dental cleaning and/or other suitable purposessuch as by increasing the surface area of physical interfacing betweenthe tip and one or more dental regions (e.g., where increased frictionbetween the protrusions and the dental areas can increase effectivenessof cleaning, etc.). In an example, a first subset of protrusions caninclude protrusions [with base centers] each located at first positionsalong a tip length (e.g., different positions along the tip length, butsame or similar radial positions in relation to a circumference of thetip at the position along the tip length, etc.) (and/or tip centralaxis), where the first positions are each distinct from second positionsalong the tip length (and/or tip central axis) for base centers ofprotrusions of a second subset, such as where the first subset ofprotrusions is adjacent and/or proximal the second subset ofprotrusions. In an example, the set of protrusions can include a firstpair of subsets of protrusions (e.g., each subset of the first pairincluding 5 protrusions, etc.); a first intermediary subset ofprotrusions positioned radially between and staggered (e.g., in relationto protrusion positions along a tip length; the first intermediarysubset including 6 protrusions; etc.) relative the first pair ofsubsets; a second pair of subsets of protrusions (e.g., each subset ofthe first pair including 5 protrusions, etc.); and a second intermediarysubset of protrusions (e.g., the second intermediary subset including 6protrusions; etc.) positioned radially between and staggered relativethe second pair of subsets, and where the first pair and second pair ofsubsets are non-staggered. Additionally or alternatively, differentsubsets of protrusions can be staggered and/or non-staggered relativeany other subset of protrusions, and staggering (e.g., along anysuitable tip dimension, axis, and/or component, etc.) of protrusions canbe configured in any suitable manner.

Protrusions are preferably constructed with the same or similarmaterials as the non-protrusion regions of the tip, but canalternatively be constructed with any suitable materials (e.g.,different from the non-protrusion regions of the tip). Protrusions canbe collapsible, non-collapsible, and/or have any suitable softness,thickness, and/or support facilitating any suitable purpose. In avariation, different protrusions (e.g., grouped by radial position, byposition along a length of the tip, staggering relationship with otherprotrusions, etc.) can be constructed with different materials.

However, protrusions can be configured in any suitable manner.

2.2 Supporting Member.

The system can include one or more supporting members, which can includeone or more extending cores; one or more tip-coupling mechanisms; and/orone or more handle-coupling regions.

The supporting member can function to facilitate coupling with one ormore tips (e.g., friction-based coupling through an annular ringprotrusion coupling mechanism; etc.), to provide physical support forthe one or more tips (e.g., using the extending core to mechanicallyprovide reinforcing support to a coupled tip with an interior surfacephysically engaged with the extending core, such as where the extendingcore partially fills the inner cavity of the tip, etc.), to providefunctional flexibility (e.g., with handle-coupling mechanisms providingdetachable functionality for substituting out the supporting member foran alternative supporting member and/or other suitable handle-coupleablecomponents, such as a component adapted for facilitating flossing,etc.), and/or other suitable functionality. In specific examples, thediameter of the annular ring can be between 1 mm and 5 mm (and/or around1 mm to 5 mm and/or any suitable diameter) and can be consistent acrossdifferent types of supporting members (e.g., to facilitate consistentcoupling to suitable dental cleaning tips and/or other suitable tips;etc.). In specific examples, the length of the extending core can bebetween 10 mm and 14 mm (and/or around 10 mm to 14 mm and/or anysuitable diameter) from the annular ring to the apex of the extendingcore, and can be consistent across different types of supporting members(e.g., to facilitate consistent coupling to suitable dental cleaningtips and/or other suitable tips; etc.). Additionally or alternatively,components of the supporting member can include any suitable dimensions.

The supporting member is preferably constructed with a thermoplasticpolymer and/or other suitable materials (e.g., providing stiffness,durability, aesthetic features, recyclability, light weight, etc.). Forexample, the supporting member can be constructed with glass-filledpolypropylene. In a variation, different components of the supportingmember (e.g., extending core, tip-coupling mechanism, handle-couplingregion, etc.) can be constructed with different materials. Additionallyor alternatively, the supporting member and/or components of thesupporting member can be constructed with any suitable materials.

However, the supporting member can be configured in any suitable manner.

2.2.A Extending Core.

The supporting member preferably includes one or more extending cores,which can function to provide a coupling region for a tip, to provide aphysical core of mechanical support for the tip (e.g., to reducecollapsibility of the tip when a user applies pressure with the tipagainst one or more dental regions, etc.), to facilitate dislodging offoreign particles, and/or to provide any other suitable functionality.The extending core is preferably physically coupleable to the tip, suchas by entering and filling (e.g., partially, wholly, etc.) an innercavity of the tip, but can couple to the tip through any other suitablemechanisms (e.g., other friction fit, adhesives, clip, mechanicalfasteners, interference fit, overmolding, etc.). Additionally oralternatively, the extending core can couple to any other suitablecomponents of the system.

The extending core preferably extends from a body region of thesupporting member (e.g., where the body region connects the supportingmember and the handle-coupling region, etc.), but can extend from anysuitable region of the supporting members. The extending core ispreferably conically shaped (e.g., shaped for coupling with and fillinga conically shaped inner cavity of the tip, etc.), but can include anysuitable shapes described herein (e.g., a cylindrical shape). In anexample, the extending core can include a conical axis (e.g., throughthe center of a base region of the extending core, and through an apexat an end of the extending core, etc.), such as where the extending coreconical axis is co-axial with a tip conical axis when the tip is coupledto the extending core. Additionally or alternatively, any suitable axes(e.g., central axes) of the extending core can be co-axial and/or haveany other suitable positional relationship with axes and/or otherregions of the tip.

The extending core is preferably dimensioned to facilitate coupling witha tip and/or provision of mechanical support for a tip (e.g., whencoupled with the tip, etc.). The extending core is preferablydimensioned to be longer than a teeth width (e.g., an average teethwidth; a 75^(th) percentile and/or other suitable metric regarding teethwidth; etc.), which can facilitate improved coverage for cleaning inbetween teeth. In an example, the extending core can include a length(e.g., from the center of a base region of the extending core to an apexof the extending core) of 11-17 mm. In an example, the extending corecan include a length (and/or other suitable dimension, such as diameter,etc.) that is less than a tip length (and/or other suitable dimension)and/or inner cavity length (e.g., where a remaining cavity remains whenthe tip is fully coupled to the extending core, etc.) (and/or othersuitable dimension) by a predetermined amount.

The extending core preferably defines an elongation axis (e.g., conicalaxis), such as extending through the center of an extending core baseregion and the center of an extending core end region proximal an apexregion of the tip when coupled with the tip. The elongation axis can beangled perpendicularly to an axis along the length of a handle-couplingregion (and/or to an axis along the length of a supportingmember-coupling region of the handle component), angled (e.g., at anangle between 90-180 degrees, etc.) relative an axis along the length ofa user-grip region of the handle component, and/or angled in anysuitable configuration relative any other suitable reference features ofcomponents of the system.

However, the extending core can be configured in any suitable manner.

2.2.B Tip-Coupling Mechanism.

The supporting member preferably includes one or more tip-couplingmechanisms, which can function to facilitate physical and/or othersuitable coupling between one or more supporting members (e.g., anextending core of the supporting member, etc.) and one or more tips. Thetip-coupling mechanism is preferably physically integrated with theextending core, but can be additionally or alternatively be detachablycoupled to the extending core (e.g., via any suitable couplingmechanisms described herein, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, thetip-coupling mechanism can be physically integrated and/or otherwiseassociated with other suitable components of the supporting member(e.g., where the tip-coupling mechanism is integrated with a body regionof the supporting member, etc.).

The tip-coupling mechanism preferably provides friction-based couplingbetween the extending core and tip (e.g., interior surface of the tip,etc.), which can facilitate coupling between the supporting member and aplurality of different types of tips (e.g., at different times;serially; alternatively; in parallel; etc.) for interchangeability oftips for the supporting member, such as for interchangeability of tipsincluding different durometers (e.g., for modulating patient comfort),different colors (e.g., for personalization), different dimensions(e.g., to accommodate different gap sizes associated with dentalregions, etc.), different weights, different functionality, and/or anyother suitable differences. Additionally or alternatively, thetip-coupling mechanism can provide any suitable coupling mechanismsincluding any one or more of adhesives, clips, mechanical fasteners(e.g., latch, strap, rubber, etc.), interference fit, overmolding,magnetic locking features, propulsion-type systems (e.g., springs,etc.), and/or any other suitable coupling mechanisms. In examples, thecoupling between a supporting member and a tip can result in a physicalbulge proximal a base of the tip-coupling mechanism, which can aid instimulating a gum region and/or other suitable dental regions. Inspecific examples, the tip-coupling mechanism (e.g., friction-basedcoupling mechanism, etc.) can provide a stronger foundational base forthe extending core, which can help with durability (e.g., for anextended lifespan of the dental hygiene system, etc.). In examples, thetip-coupling mechanism can be shaped to provide one or more gaps (e.g.,space, etc.) between a tip and an extending core (e.g., of a supportingmember) when the tip and supporting member are coupled, such as wherethe one or more gaps can facilitate collapsibility, molding, and fittingof the tip (e.g., of the rubber of the tip, etc.) into one or moredental regions (e.g., difficult to reach regions, etc.) for improvingfunctionality associated with the system, which can improve cleaning(e.g., by friction) in a manner more effective than conventionalapproaches.

The tip-coupling mechanism is preferably substantially shaped as anannular ring, such as protruding (e.g., radially, etc.) from theextending core (e.g., physically flush and integrated with the extendingcore). In an example, the annular ring can be curved at exterior regionsfacing a distal end of the extending core, and with a flat surface at anexterior region facing the base region of the extending core, where thecurved and flat surfaces can facilitate improved coupling (e.g.,hindering unintentional detachability of the tip from the extendingcore; etc.) and/or mechanical support for the tip. In an example, thetip-coupling mechanism can be shaped for coupling to and/or filling ofthe shape of a tip inner cavity region adapted to couple (e.g., fitaround, etc.) to the tip-coupling mechanism (e.g., where the tip innercavity region and the tip-coupling mechanism are substantially shaped asan annular ring, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the tip-couplingmechanism can include any suitable shapes (e.g., described herein,etc.).

The tip-coupling mechanism is preferably constructed with the same orsimilar materials as an extending core (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer,etc.), but can additionally or alternatively be constructed withdifferent materials (e.g., materials adapted for facilitating animproved friction-based coupling between the tip and supporting member,etc.).

However, the tip-coupling mechanism can be configured in any suitablemanner.

2.2.C Handle-Coupling Region.

The supporting member preferably includes one or more handle-couplingregions, which can function to facilitate coupling between thesupporting member and a handle component. The handle-coupling regionpreferably includes one or more handle-coupling mechanisms, such as amechanical locking mechanism that hinders detachability of thesupporting member from the handle during user utilization of componentsof the system (e.g., except when the user applies sufficient physicalforce, rotation, and/or other actions for detaching the supportingmember from the handle component, etc.). In a specific example, thehandle-coupling region can include a handle-coupling mechanism includingone or more prongs constructed with a predetermined amount of mass atone or more specified regions of the prongs, such as for preventing thesupporting member from rotation (e.g., about an axis, such as a centralaxis of the handle component, etc.) and for facilitating secure couplingbetween the supporting member and the handle component. Additionally oralternatively, the handle-coupling mechanisms can provide any suitabletypes of couple mechanisms (e.g., described herein, etc.). Thehandle-coupling mechanism is preferably dimensioned to facilitatecoupling with a supporting member-coupling region (e.g., a supportingmember-coupling mechanism of the supporting-member-coupling region,etc.) of a handle component, but can additionally or alternativelyinclude any suitable dimensions, shapes, and/or other geometriccharacteristics. However, the handle-coupling region can be configuredin any suitable manner.

2.3 Handle Component.

The system can include one or more handle components, which can functionto be gripped by one or more users for user manipulation of componentsof the system in facilitating dental hygiene; to couple to one or moresupporting members (e.g., thereby facilitating indirect coupling betweenthe handle component and a tip physically coupled to the supportingmember, etc.); and/or provide any suitable functionality.

The handle component is preferably constructed with a thermoplasticpolymer and/or other suitable materials (e.g., a glass-filledpolypropylene; the same materials as the supporting member), but thehandle component and/or components of the handle component can beconstructed with any suitable materials (e.g., different materials fordifferent components of the handle component, etc.). Additionally oralternatively, the handle component can be constructed any suitablematerials including elastomers, plastics (e.g., thermoplastics such aspolypropylene, etc.), composite materials (e.g., thermoplasticelastomers, etc.), antimicrobial materials (e.g., antimicrobialmaterials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.),therapeutic materials (e.g., therapeutic materials approved for use byrelevant government agencies, etc.), metals (e.g., steel, alloys,copper, etc.), recyclable materials, reusable materials, biodegradablematerials, compostable materials, glass, ceramic, and/or any othersuitable materials.

The handle component can include a user-grip region (e.g., adapted for auser to physically interface with, etc.), a supporting member-couplingregion (e.g., for coupling with the supporting member, etc.), anintermediary region (e.g., physically between the user-grip region andthe supporting member-coupling region, etc.), and/or any other suitableregions.

The user-grip region is preferably dimensioned to enable a user toleverage the system to reach deeper dental regions, difficult-to-accessdental regions, and/or other suitable dental regions. For example, theuser-grip region can include a length adapted for such purposes. Inspecific examples, the user-grip region can enable a more convenient andsatisfying user experience. The user-grip region is preferably tubularshaped, such as where a user's hand can form a circular grip around theuser-grip region. The user-grip region preferably includes a curvedexterior surface, for facilitating a smooth interface between the usergrip-region and a user's palm. Additionally or alternatively, theuser-grip region can include any suitable dimensions and/or shapes.However, the user-grip region can be configured in any suitable manner.

The intermediary region preferably includes a curved bend correspondingto the transition from the user-grip region to the intermediary region,which can facilitate accessibility by a tip (e.g., coupled to asupporting member coupled to the handle component, etc.) to deeperand/or other suitable dental regions. The intermediary region caninclude a decreasing diameter as the distance increases from theuser-grip region (e.g., and as the distance decreases from thesupporting member-coupling region). Additionally, the intermediaryregion can include any suitable dimensions and/or shapes. However, theintermediary region can be configured in any suitable manner.

The supporting member-coupling region preferably includes a supportingmember-coupling mechanism facilitating coupling with a supportingmember, such as where the supporting member-coupling mechanism iscomplementary to (e.g., physically complementary to, in the context of alocking mechanism; etc.) a handle-coupling mechanism. The supportingmember-coupling mechanism can be positioned within an inner cavity ofthe supporting member-coupling region, where the handle-couplingmechanism of the supporting member can enter the inner cavity of thesupporting member-coupling region of the handle component in order tointerface with the supporting member-coupling mechanism. A central axis(e.g., along the length of the supporting member-coupling region) of thesupporting member-coupling region is preferably angled relative acentral axis of the user grip-region (e.g., along the length of the usergrip-region, etc.) but can alternatively be parallel, and/or can includeany suitable positional relationship relative other reference features.The supporting member-coupling region can be tubular shaped (e.g.,similar to a user-grip region shape) and/or any suitable shape and/ordimensions. Additionally or alternatively, the supportingmember-coupling region can be configured in any suitable manner.

The handle component can include a button associated with (e.g.,coupleable to, fitted to, assembled with, etc.) a handle component endregion (e.g., distal a supporting member-coupling region, and/or othersuitable components.

However, the handle component can be configured in any suitable manner.

2.4 Fluid-Provision Tip.

The system can additionally or alternatively include one or morefluid-provision tips including one or more fluid channels (e.g.,perforations). The fluid-provision tip can function to facilitatecontrolled, targeted delivery of one or more fluids to one or moredental regions.

The fluid-provision tip is preferably adapted to facilitate provision ofone or more fluids for improving dental hygiene. Fluids can include(e.g., the type of fluid itself; components within the fluid; etc.) anyone or more of: water (e.g., saline solutions, non-saline water, etc.),anti-microbial agents (fluids and/or suitable chemical agents), cleaningagents, therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs, medication, small molecules,etc.), and/or any other suitable types of fluid and/or other suitablecomponents (e.g., adapted for delivery through fluids, etc.). Inexamples, fluids (e.g., fluids that can be provided through one or morefluid-provision tips, such as fluids exiting through one or more fluidchannels; etc.) can include fluids that help improve oral health care(e.g., fluids including fluoride, etc.). In a variation, thefluid-provision tip can be adapted to maintain stability by leveragingfluid pressure from the provided fluid traveling through thefluid-provision tip (and/or other suitable components), such as in anadditional or alternative manner to the maintenance of stability fromthe stiffness and/or rigidity of the material of the fluid-provision tip(e.g., material used in the construction of a portion or all of thefluid-provision tip, etc.) and/or other suitable components). Inexamples, an extending core can be integrated with one or morefluid-provision systems (e.g., including one or more fluid-provisiontips, etc.), such as where any suitable fluids can be propelled aroundthe one or more components (e.g., and exiting through the one or morefluid channels, etc.).

The fluid-provision tip is preferably coupleable to a fluid-provisiondevice (e.g., an end channel of the fluid-provision device, such aswhere fluid exits the fluid-provision device through an opening of theexit channel, and such as where fluid exits through the end channel andenters the fluid-provision tip through an opening of a beginning channelof the fluid-provision tip, etc.). In an example, the system can includethe fluid-provision tip while excluding non-fluid-provision tips,supporting members, and handle components, such as where thefluid-provision tip can couple to a third-party fluid-provision device.In another example, the fluid-provision tip can couple to a tip-couplingmechanism (e.g., described herein, such as physical annular ring-shapedprotrusion of an extending core of a supporting member, etc.).

The fluid-provision tip preferably couples to a fluid-provision devicethrough a friction-based fit, but can couple to the fluid-provisiondevice through any suitable coupling mechanisms (e.g., described herein,etc.).

The fluid-provision tip preferably includes a set of protrusionsextending from a surface of the fluid-provision tip, such as where theset of protrusions can be configured in any suitable manner describedherein in relation to protrusions (e.g., including staggered subsets ofprotrusions, conical protrusions, etc.), but can additionally oralternatively include any suitable physical formations for facilitatingfluid provision. In specific examples, fluid provision can facilitatefluid exiting through any suitable region of the fluid-provision tip(e.g., an apex of the fluid-provision tip; a protrusion proximal and/orforming the apex of the fluid-provision tip; through protrusionsextending from a base diameter of the fluid-provision tip; throughregions proximal the base diameter of the fluid-provision tip; etc.).The fluid-provision tip preferably includes one or more fluid channels(e.g., inner cavities through which fluid travels, etc.), whichpreferably include one or more openings (e.g., perforations, etc.)through which fluid can enter (e.g., for an opening of a beginningchannel, etc.) and/or exit (e.g., for an opening of an exit channel,etc.). The openings can include any suitable shape (e.g., circle, etc.)with any suitable dimensions (e.g., dimensioned to facilitate improvedfluid exit pressure, velocity, acceleration, and/or other suitable fluidmovement characteristics, etc.). The openings are preferably oriented toenable fluid to exit the fluid-provision tip in a plurality ofdirections (e.g., which can facilitate fluid provision in a gentlermanner for improving patient comfort; where fluid channels positioned onone or more sides of the fluid-provision tip can enable a user tooperate the fluid-provision tip for removing plaque, such as throughfriction via scrubbing, while fluid is exited in a plurality ofdirections; etc.), but can alternatively be oriented to focus fluid in asingle direction.

The fluid-provision tip can be constructed with any suitable materials(e.g., similar or different materials to the tip, etc.). However, thefluid-provision tip can be configured in any suitable manner.

However, embodiments of the systems can be configured in any suitablemanner.

3. Methods.

Embodiments of methods can include one or more of: providing a dentalcleaning tip, the tip comprising rounded protrusions configured tooptimize teeth cleaning and stimulating gums; providing a supportingmember, wherein the supporting member includes a tip coupling mechanism,wherein the tip coupling mechanism is configured to connect the dentalcleaning tip to the supporting member; and/or providing an angledhandle, wherein the angled handle is configured to couple to thesupporting member and extends away from the supporting member. In someembodiments, the tip coupling mechanism permits attachment and removalof the dental cleaning tip. In some embodiments, the dental cleaning tipincludes a first flat surface and a second flat surface orientedparallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to maximizedental hygiene. In some embodiments, the bases of the roundedprotrusions increase from an apex of the dental cleaning tip to a baseof the dental cleaning tip.

Embodiments of methods can include manufacturing, using, transporting,modifying, selling, buying, and/or otherwise providing one or morecomponents of embodiments of the systems, in any suitable combinationand/or configuration.

However, embodiments of methods can be performed in any suitable manner.

4. Other.

Embodiments of the systems and/or methods can include every combinationand permutation of the various system components and the various methodprocesses, including any variants (e.g., embodiments, variations,examples, specific examples, figures, etc.).

Any of the variants described herein (e.g., embodiments, variations,examples, specific examples, figures, etc.) and/or any portion of thevariants described herein can be additionally or alternatively combined,aggregated, excluded, used, and/or otherwise applied.

Embodiments of the method and/or systems can include every combinationand permutation of the various system components and the various methodprocesses, including any variants (e.g., embodiments, variations,examples, specific examples, figures, etc.), where portions ofembodiments of the method and/or processes described herein can beperformed asynchronously (e.g., sequentially), concurrently (e.g., inparallel), or in any other suitable order by and/or using one or moreinstances, elements, components of, and/or other aspects of the systemsand/or other entities described herein.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to embodiments of the methods, systems, and/or variantswithout departing from the scope defined in the claims. Variantsdescribed herein not meant to be restrictive. Certain features includedin the drawings may be exaggerated in size, and other features may beomitted for clarity and should not be restrictive. The figures are notnecessarily to scale. The absolute or relative dimensions or proportionsmay vary. Section titles herein are used for organizational convenienceand are not meant to be restrictive. The description of any variant isnot necessarily limited to any section of this specification.

We claim:
 1. A dental hygiene system, comprising: a dental cleaning tip,the tip comprising rounded protrusions configured to optimize teethcleaning and gum stimulation; a supporting member, wherein thesupporting member includes a tip coupling mechanism, wherein the tipcoupling mechanism is configured to connect the dental cleaning tip tothe supporting member; and an angled handle, wherein the angled handleis configured to couple to the supporting member and extends away fromthe supporting member when the supporting member is coupled to theangled handle, wherein the tip coupling mechanism permits attachment andremoval of the dental cleaning tip; wherein the dental cleaning tipincludes a first flat surface and a second flat surface orientedparallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to maximizedental hygiene; and wherein the bases of the rounded protrusionsincrease in size from an apex of the dental cleaning tip to a base ofthe dental cleaning tip.
 2. The dental hygiene system of claim 1,wherein the rounded protrusions are generally conical in configuration.3. The dental hygiene system of claim 1, wherein the dental cleaning tipcomprises at least one fluid channel for facilitating fluid deliverythrough any suitable region of the dental cleaning tip to one or moredental regions, and wherein the at least one fluid channel is adapted togently apply fluid to the one or more dental regions.
 4. The dentalhygiene system of claim 1, wherein the rounded protrusions include atleast a first subset of protrusions and second subset of protrusionsstaggered along the conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to permit anapplication of toothpaste to a dental region.
 5. The dental hygienesystem of claim 1, wherein the first flat surface and the second flatsurface of the dental cleaning tip are configured to permit stimulatinga user's gums, and wherein the first flat surface and the second flatsurface of the dental cleaning tip are configured to permit the roundedprotrusions to clean periodontal pockets.
 6. The dental hygiene systemof claim 1, wherein the dental cleaning tip includes a collapsible apexregion for allowing bending of the dental cleaning tip in use.
 7. Thedental hygiene system of claim 6, wherein the dental cleaning tip isconstructed with at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer material, athermoplastic material, an elastomer material, a silicone material, anda tear-resistant material for facilitating the collapsible apex region.8. The dental hygiene system of claim 1, wherein the tip couplingmechanism provides friction-based coupling that permits removal of thedental cleaning tip and interchanging with a second dental cleaning tipby a user.
 9. The dental hygiene system of claim 1, wherein thesupporting member comprises: an extending core, wherein the tip couplingmechanism is attachable to the extending core; a handle coupling regioncomprising a handle coupling mechanism for coupling and decoupling to ahandle; and a body region for connecting the extending core and thehandle coupling region.
 10. The dental hygiene system of claim 9,wherein the tip coupling mechanism comprises an annular ring protrusionadapted for coupling by mechanical interference with one or more dentalcleaning tips, and wherein the tip coupling mechanism is constructed toprevent the one or more dental cleaning tips from detaching from thesupporting member.
 11. The dental hygiene system of claim 1, wherein theangled handle comprises: a supporting member coupling region; a usergrip region adapted for manipulation by a user; and an intermediaryregion connecting the supporting member coupling region and the usergrip region.
 12. The dental hygiene system of claim 11, wherein theintermediary region includes a curved bend to facilitate accessibilityby the dental cleaning tip to various dental regions.
 13. The dentalhygiene system of claim 12, wherein the intermediary region includes anincreasing diameter as the distance increases from the supporting membercoupling region to the user grip region.
 14. A method of providing adental hygiene system, comprising: providing a dental cleaning tip, thetip comprising rounded protrusions configured to optimize teeth cleaningand stimulating gums; providing a supporting member, wherein thesupporting member includes a tip coupling mechanism, wherein the tipcoupling mechanism is configured to connect the dental cleaning tip tothe supporting member; and providing an angled handle, wherein theangled handle is configured to couple to the supporting member andextends away from the supporting member, wherein the tip couplingmechanism permits attachment and removal of the dental cleaning tip;wherein the dental cleaning tip includes a first flat surface and asecond flat surface oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dentalcleaning tip to maximize dental hygiene; and wherein the bases of therounded protrusions increase from an apex of the dental cleaning tip toa base of the dental cleaning tip.
 15. The method claim 14, wherein therounded protrusions include at least a first subset of protrusions andsecond subset of protrusions staggered along to the conical axis of thedental cleaning tip to permit an application of toothpaste to a dentalregion.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first flat surface andthe second flat surface of the dental cleaning tip are configured topermit stimulating a user's gums, and wherein the first flat surface andthe second flat surface of the dental cleaning tip are configured topermit the rounded protrusions to clean periodontal pockets.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, wherein providing the dental cleaning tip includesproviding a collapsible apex region for allowing bending of the dentalcleaning tip in use.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein providing thesupporting member comprises: providing an extending core, wherein thetip coupling mechanism is attached to the extending core; providing ahandle coupling region comprising a handle coupling mechanism forcoupling and decoupling to a handle; and providing a body regionconnecting the extending core and the handle coupling region.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the tip coupling mechanism comprises anannular ring protrusion adapted for coupling with one or more dentalcleaning tips.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the angled handlecomprises: providing a supporting member coupling region; providing auser grip region adapted for manipulation by a user; and providing anintermediary region connecting the supporting member coupling region andthe user grip region, wherein providing the intermediary region includesproviding a curved bend to facilitate accessibility by the dentalcleaning tip to various dental regions; and wherein providing theintermediary region includes providing a decreasing diameter as thedistance increases from the supporting member coupling region to theuser grip region.